Legislative Update: Peterson Stands with Governor Whitmer for Clean Water

Thursday, February 7, 2019

On Monday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer took action to address Michigan’s water crisis by signing two executive orders and one executive directive. The executive orders would create a new Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, as well as strengthen the PFAS Action Response Team. The executive order also included language to eliminate three review boards the Legislature created last year that allow corporate representatives to oversee the DEQ, now called EGLE, and its permitting process. Additionally, her executive directive would enter Michigan into the U.S. Climate Alliance to advance the goals of the Paris Agreement, which the U.S. withdrew from in 2017.

Two days later, the House approved, along partisan lines, House Concurrent Resolution 1 to reject Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order that eliminated the recently approved review panels. I voted against this resolution because access to clean water and having a state government that is responsive and transparent to the people it serves should not be partisan issues. For too long, the needs of Michigan residents have been drowned out by special interest groups, and it is time for that to change. Maintaining the status quo by passing this resolution does nothing to protect the public health and bolster Michigan’s economy.

I will always do what I believe is best to support working families and move Michigan forward to greater prosperity. If you have any questions or concerns about this resolution, please contact my office. We want to hear from you!

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